Just a building?

Stately and solid on the main four corners of town it sits.  Renovated in 1953 after a fire demolished its upper floors,  it became Kalamazoo Savings and Loan, where my parents secured a $5500 loan to expand our small home in 1957, as more babies were anticipated.  Of course, at age 6, I wasn't necessarily interested in this bank...until a few years later when my mother insisted that each of us kids open an account so we could begin "saving".  It seemed like an austere and pristine place, with high ceilings--it evoked the need to be on your best behavior, and speak in whispers to the tellers as you stood on tippy toes to hand over the money and the "book".

Now as I relax in this same building, "Mezzo Coffee", drinking my tea infused pineapple coconut smoothie; I reminisce.  It was here that I deposited those checks and tips from my work at Judy's Restaurant.  It was here that I emptied my account each fall before heading back to college, tuition payment in hand.  It was here that I returned to apply for employment as a teller after getting married and needing some supplemental income.  It was here that my first pregnancy terminated, as I turned with stricken face to Manager Loretta Kling when my water broke at 13 weeks.

Today our town is mourning the loss of Kathy Misner, mover and shaker of Otsego.  When we returned almost 20 years ago, this building had become Decorator's Plus. It was here that I met Kathy for the first time.  It was here that I came for advice on our new home, insisting that we buy expensive Benjamin Moore paint, much to my husband's chagrin! It was here that I requested Kathy's help to visit my home and give me some new ideas, as she did for hundreds of people.
And now, it is here that I rest and remember.  Sue Cramer named this spot "Mezzo", referring to "middle".  Middle of town, middle of activity, middle of life.  She bought this building from Kathy to carry on the tradition of life in Otsego.  Life in a community of people.  A community that shares history, a community that remembers people, a community that comes together over coffee.
This building has fostered life and community and growth...it is not "just" a building.